1. What was is about the von Trapp family in “The Sound of Music” that made Anne feel a special connection to them?

2. Each of the four parts to the memoir is introduced by a proverb. Discuss how each proverb relates to the upcoming storyline.

3. Given Anne’s “special status” as an adoptee, how would you explain the same situation to your own adopted child?

4. Anne is taunted by her childhood friend and is told, “Your real mother didn’t want you. That’s why she gave you away.” Have you ever experienced or heard similar things said to an adopted child? What do you think the psychological impact of such comments has on the adopted individual as a child and later as an adult?

5. In the course of the memoir, Anne’s relationship with her adoptive mother changes. What do you think was the major turning point in their relationship?

6. When Anne’s Grandmother warns her about searching for her birth mother, she says, “Ahh, it’s a good boat that tries to find the harbor it left, but be careful, don’t go looking for someone who might not want to be found.” What do you think was the meaning behind her Grandmother’s comment? Does her warning have any impact on Anne’s search?

7. Do you feel that Anne’s parents were justified in their resentment toward Jo?

8. Why do you think Anne’s two adopted brothers had no interest in searching for their own birthmothers? Do you think their problems later in life had anything to do with their adoption status?

9. Throughout the memoir, Anne never wavers in her determination to locate her birth mother. Where do you think her perseverance came from?

10. What place do you feel a birthparent has in the life of the child that they placed for adoption?

11. Anne comments in her Afterword about adult adoptees being denied access to their own original birth certificates. Do you feel this is a civil rights issue? What would you do if you were denied access to your own information?